Fiddler on the Roof" proves to be a success

Peggie Miller

Published 7:00 pm, Thursday, June 10, 2004

It was the first directional outing for co-director Bill Torgan who shared duties with highly experienced O.A. Melvin. Melvin has moved to Waxahachie and was unable to attend nightly rehearsals, but at the same time, he did provide needed directional consultation.

"When it became clear that Orvis would only be available on a part-time basis, I quickly volunteered," Torgan said. "I had no doubt that I could take over whatever directing duties would be required. With much planning I was standing on stage all set to assign places for the opening scene. After calling up about two-thirds of the cast members, I glanced over my shoulder to discover that there was no more room on the stage — oops. I gained a new appreciation for what a director does."

Although fresh to directing, Torgan, with an impressive singing voice, has been a willing player in several shows. He once shaved his head to portray the title role in "The King and I." He also provided guitar accompaniment in "Smoke on the Mountain" and "Pump Boys and Dinnettes," and has worked on the Players' board of director as ticket chairman several seasons."I never start small," he chuckled. "I just jump in with both feet."

The significance of the fiddler on the roof is the tradition he represents. As lead character Tevye says in the opening scene, "Without tradition our lives would be shaky as a fiddler on the roof." Professional James Devall, a music student at Sam Houston who has won multi-talent contests, impressively provides that fiddler and his music. A 23-instrument orchestra offers further support. The show is packed with awesome performances, but especially from youngsters Kelsey Vogel, Jenny Elam, Mandy Odgers, Jillian Holley and Sabre Garcia, who portray the five sisters.

Carole Scharth Lenz stands out as Grandma Tzeitel in an extraordinary dream sequence that she choreographed with Fay Beth Beckman. The lighting is notable, designed by Lorne Kelley, whose task was to plot an outline using mood-setting colors and choose ways to highlight scenes. All the choreography is outstanding, and the Crighton Players' newcomers as well as faithful standbys perform their hearts out, as is their custom.

Special attractions to look for are little scene stealer Katherine Jaeger, age 5, (granddaughter of Sue and Al Stewart), who now is sure she wants to be a TV actress — a graceful ballet segment from Mandy Odgers — influences of advisers Leland Dushkin, Ms. Andy Brahms and Congregation Beth Shalom in The Woodlands who loaned items and provided advice about prayer aprons and such. Bill Garland hawking Russian fish in his soft Louisiana accent … the lovely voice of Kelsey Vogel, a high school junior with the poise of a professional … and much more. At about two-and-a-half hours the show is longer than some, but it's pure entertainment.

"Fiddler on the Roof" plays tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m. in Conroe's Crighton Theatre and again Sunday with a 2 p.m. matinee. It concludes June 18 and 19. Tickets priced at $17 and $14 may be reserved by calling (936) 441-SHOW.